South West Public Health Observatory
	The impact of drug misuse on health in the South West, 1996-2001

Implications

Services

Given current rates, the likelihood of large numbers of people with drug misuse problems yet to access services, and the accumulation of adult cases who will require long-term help, drug services will need to be developed to keep pace with the need for treatment. The growing number of injecting drug users infected with hepatitis C has serious long-term consequences for health services.

Information and audit

With the growth of drug misuse and consequent effects on the community and crime, there is a need to maintain and develop robust information systems about various aspects of drug misuse. As the report shows, the quality of available data is variable, there are under-estimates for some Drug Action Team areas, and the monitoring of the quality of drug services is inconsistent. The South West region contains numerous agencies, particularly those in the private sector, which are not audited, despite the region having a well established and nationally recognised, audit service. More research into the effects on children and the families of problem drug users is required.